Fires Have Many Effects

Death and destruction are the worst of the brush fire results. People's lives are forever changed. Beyond other obvious inconveniences like air quality and smoke, I have learned that fires in Southern California can reek havoc in many other ways as well. Sometimes these problems cause you to learn new things. At least Lesli and I learned a few things! 

On Monday when the 118 freeway closed completely to the South of Simi Valley, traffic on the 101 over in Westlake Village was a mess. Getting home at the end of the day was a challenge. Lesli and I needed to get back to the church in the evening for one of the receptions Calvary is hosting this month to welcome us. But, by the time we needed to leave, our main routes to the church (the 23 and the 101) were at a stand still. This has not been the norm for us. While traffic has gotten thick, it has never been at a stand still (even at rush hour). Not until Monday evening!

Fortunately, we got a call from the church office suggesting we come to the church via "surface roads" rather than the freeways. We had no idea there was another way. We went on the "surface roads" and made great time. We found shopping plazas, restaurants, and housing communities we had heard of but had not yet discovered. The route flows well and is beautiful. While most of the fires' results are terrible, the havoc they can cause can force you to learn some new stuff - at least Lesli and I did.